How to Make Your Pillows Allergy-Free (and Kill Dust Mites!)

Tips & Tricks By Melody Rose Rowan Tips & Tricks November 27, 2017

Are you allergic to dust mites? Do you wake up with a stuffy nose, watery eyes and chronic sinus problems? Your bedding, specifically pillows, might be the culprit. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that survive on flakes of human skin. *Cue internal screaming.* Their feces contain an allergen that causes asthma-like symptoms, sinus problems and eczema. If you think you might suffer from dust mite allergies, or just can’t handle the thought of sharing your bed with weird dust bug poop, read on to learn how to make your pillows allergy-free and kill dust mites.

VACUUM

Start by vacuuming your pillows to help remove dust and dirt trapped inside.

SANITIZE

Put your pillow in a trash bag and stash it in your freezer for 24 hours to ensure you kill the dust mites living within. Then shake the pillow out in the trash before putting it in the dryer on high for 20 minutes to shake the rest of them out. Don’t put your foam pillows in the dryer though—read their instructions to learn how to properly clean them.

WASH BEDDING

Wash all bedding including pillows, throws, sheets and comforters in hot water to kill dust mites. Allow them to dry completely.

COVER MATTRESS AND PILLOWS

Encase your mattress and pillows in allergy-proof covers that will keep dust mites from getting in.

BUY NEW BEDDING

If you’ve had the same bedding for a long time, it might be a good idea to replace them entirely and beginning your allergy-free routine with a clean slate.

MAINTAIN YOUR NEW SCHEDULE

Be sure to sanitize pillows every month and wash bedding every week with hot water to kill any dust mites. Don’t forget about your mattress or the rest of your bedroom in your new cleaning routine. Vacuum and wash carpets regularly to sanitize them. If your allergies are severe, use blinds rather than drapery in the bedroom to reduce surfaces prone to dust mites. Consider replacing carpet with wood flooring in the bedroom, too!

Keep up with these tips to help you experience an allergy-free, restful night.

Melody Rose Rowan

Melody Rose Rowan is the CEO + hostess with the mostess at @CuteStays. When she isn’t blogging about style and interior design for her blog MustacheMelrose.com, Melody can be found renovating @MaxineTheAirstream with her husband, Scott, or playing with her two rescue dog-sons, Jake and Finn. Say hi at @mustachemelrose!